Therapeutic potential of argan oil: a review

Abstract

Objectives The therapeutic benefits of argan oil consumption have been claimed by natives of Morocco and explorers for more than eight centuries. However, argan oil has remained unresearched for a long time. Traditionally, argan oil has been well known for its cardioprotective properties and it is also used in the treatment of skin infections. Argan oil is principally composed of mono-unsaturated (up to 80%) and saturated (up to 20%) fatty acids. As minor components, it contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and triterpene alcohols. Together with the mono-unsaturated fatty acids, these minor components are likely to be responsible for its beneficial effects. This review aims to present an overview of the known pharmacological properties of argan oil. Key findings Antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular-protective effects of argan oil have been particularly actively evaluated over the last 5 years in order to build on phytochemical studies that indicate the presence of large amounts of possibly pharmacologically active compounds. Summary This review shows that a lack of clinical data constitutes a serious weakness in our knowledge about argan oil, therefore it is difficult to correlate the reported pharmacological activities to any potential clinical relevance.

Anti-adhesive effects of argan oil on postoperative peritoneal adhesions

“…The essential fatty acids are oleic acid with 43-49% and linoleic acid with 29-36%. Schottenol and spinasterol are the essential sterols with 44-49% and 34-44% respectively and γ-tocopherol is the esential tocopherols with 81-92% [13,14,21]. We considered that these fatty acids and tocopherols could reduce postoperative adhesion formation.…”

“…Argan oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (80%) especially oleic (44,8%) and linoleic acids (33,7%) and contains antioxidant combinations, such as tocopherols (especially γ-tocopherol) [12]. Argan oil has been reported usage of burn and surgical wound treatments [13,14]. We considered that argan oil which is cheap, easy accessible and nautral, can be used for prevention of peritoneal adhesions due to intraabdominal surgical procedures.…”

Analysis and antioxidant capacity of the phenolic compounds from argan fruit (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels)

“…Resulting argan kernels are amassed, then eventually roasted, then mechanically cold-pressed to afford virgin argan oil of beauty (unroasted kernels) or edible (roasted kernels) grade. Each oil type possesses its own set of pharmacological properties [3,4]. Since 2010, annual argan oil production has exceeded 5000 tons.…”

Novel Anti- tuberculosis Compound

“…Argan oil consist of 42.8% oleic, 36.8% linoleic,12% palmitic, 6% stearic and <0.5% Linolenic [10]. Argan oil has a relative density at 20 °C (68 °F) ranging from 0.906 to 0.919 [11]. Argan oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids, (80% unsaturated fatty acids).…”